WHO wants prices on sugary drinks, booze and fags raised by 50 percent

Spain | The World Health Organisation (WHO) is back in the headlines, pushing countries to raise the prices of sugary drinks, alcohol and tobacco by 50 percent over the next ten years through taxation. This is its strongest backing yet for taxes to help tackle public health issues. The initiative, dubbed “3 by 35”, was launched at the United Nations Finance for Development conference in Seville, Spain, media reported on 4 July.

BrewDog’s co-founder Martin Dickie enters into medical cannabis

United Kingdom | Martin Dickie, 42, is hoping to become the market leader in medical cannabis, planning to invest GBP 20 million (USD 27 million) into his medical cannabis company over the next five years. Mr Dickie, who founded BrewDog with James Watt nearly 20 years ago, now runs Waterside Pharmaceuticals, the newspaper The Independent reported on 12 July.

Heineken study shows: Sports fans go for moderation

The Netherlands | When you think of Formula 1 and booze, what comes to mind? Most probably the iconic image of podium champagne showers. But a new global study by Heineken unveiled on 10 July suggests that F1 fans are increasingly steering towards a more moderate – and often alcohol-free – way to celebrate the sport.

German beer sales drop nearly 7 percent in five months through May

Germany | Declining demand, overcapacities and price wars are putting Germany's brewers under pressure. According to Veltins brewery, the industry's 6.8 percent decline in beer sales in the first five months of the year is “historic”. “The beer market is currently weakening to an extent that we have not seen since Germany’s reunification [in 1990],” said Rainer Emig, Managing Director of Sales at Veltins on 3 July. Meanwhile, Germany’s third-largest beer brand, Veltins, continued to grow, increasing its total output by 2.3 percent to 1.78 million hl beer.

Russian media cheer: Russia ahead of Germany in BarthHaas ranking

Russia | For the first time Baltika and United Breweries Holding (OPH) have entered the BarthHaas ranking of the world’s top 40 breweries in 2024 – and they were ahead of German rivals, Russian media hooted with jingoistic glee on 3 July.

AB InBev can’t get rid of Russian subsidiary

Russia | Once again, Russian authorities have blocked the sale of AB-InBev’s stake in its Russian joint venture with Turkish brewer Anadolu Efes. The brewer has been trying to get rid of the Russian subsidiary for years.

Germany’s Erdinger brewery now owned by a non-profit

Germany | Werner Brombach, 85, the owner and sole shareholder of Erdinger Weißbräu, who turned his brand into a global player, has transferred his shares in the business to a foundation. In June, the Werner Brombach Family Foundation, a non-profit, officially became its new owner.

Duvel Moortgat is brewing La Chouffe beer in the US

Belgium | The secret is out: Duvel Moortgat has been brewing its La Chouffe beer, a Belgian Blonde, which is popular with American drinkers, at the Boulevard brewery in Kansas, Missouri since December last year, Belgian media reported on 18 June.

Heineken loses operational control of facilities in Congo's war-hit east

The Netherlands | Heineken has withdrawn its staff from its facilities in conflict-affected areas of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, having lost operational control, Reuters reported on 20 June.

Russia’s United Breweries aims to boost premium brands

Russia | United Breweries Holding (OPH), the former Heineken unit, seeks to increase the share of premium brands in its revenue to 40 percent this year, up from 30 percent in 2024 as part of the reformatting of its brand portfolio, the Russian news agency Interfax reported. New product launches shall contribute to the effort.